Presentation Skills Workshop

A workshop combining presentation planning, preparation and delivery skills with PowerPoint training

Duration:

Minimum of Two Days, possibly Three (duration may be influenced by the amount of PowerPoint training required if any).

Objectives:

To practise structuring presentations to achieve maximum impact
To develop individual presentation styles through building on existing verbal and non-verbal skills
To deliver a short presentation to build confidence and to practise style and techniques
To consider contingency plans for dealing with nerves
To learn to handle Microsoft PowerPoint if this is the chosen presentation tool

This workshop focuses on two key aspects of making presentations:
structuring the material and
confident delivery.
Participants will be actively involved in the planning, preparation and delivery stages of a presentation. Each person will have the opportunity to make a short presentation in a supportive and informal environment.

Designed for

Anyone who is required to make a work-based presentation. Whilst such people may know their presentation topic inside-out, we would not expect them to have much experience in making presentations, or if they do, that they know it is an area in which they have a personal development need.

Workshop style

Highly participative: the process starts before the workshop when participants will be expected to think about a presentation topic and to carry out some preparation.
With tutor guidance, partcipants will be actively engaged in designing a presentation. This will be done in a step-by-step approach to build confidence.
This could also involve training in the use of Microsoft PowerPoint if needed (see separate outline).
Towards the end of the workshop, participants will be expected to go 'live' with their presentations - of approximately 10 minutes. The presentations will be carried out in small groups, with a tutor on hand to facilitate, give support and feedback on which further development can be based.

Content

Introductions and objectives for the workshop
Structuring a presentation using five basic questions - who, why, where, when, how
Writing an objective for a presentation which satisfies test criteria - specific, positive, audience focused
Planning material for a presentation using mind-mapping or a linear format
Prioritising material for a presentation using must, should, could
Writing an introduction for a presentation which aims to gain audience interest
Writing a summary for a presentation which leaves the audience clear about the message
Using visual aids in a presentation - the benefits and pitfalls*
Writing presentation notes or scripts*
Exploring verbal and non-verbal techniques for making successful presentations
Planning for contingencies and dealing with nerves
Preparing for a presentation*
Delivering a 10 minute presentation*
Reviewing the learning points from the workshop
Completing a Personal Action Plan to put the learning points from the workshop into practice on return to the workplace.

*These elements might involve the use of PowerPoint and such training can be incorporated into the workshop.